Adjustable load-carrying structure



Nov. 16, 1954 l. 1. FlORl 2,694,535

ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE Filed July e, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 1111229 [.Fiorl Nov. 16, 1954 om 2,694,585

ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE Filed July 6, 1950 7 Sheets- Sheet 2Ira/era tor 37 I ruinglfiom' gigs.

Nov. 16, 1954 l. l. mom 2,694,585

ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE I Filed July 6, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 3in van tor ImgjglE i Nov. 16, 1954 l. FIORI ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYINGSTRUCTURE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 6, 1950 Inventor Irl/LrjLHom'mlIIIII.

Nov. 16, 1954 1. FIORI 2,694,585

ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE Filed July 6, 1950 7 Sheet s-Sheet 5Inventor jruilqlfiori Nov. 16, 1954 l. FIORI 2,694,535

ADJUSTABLE LOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE Filed July 6. 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 7Inventor fruirlql. F iori 2,694,585 Patented Nov. 16, 1954 ADJUSTABLELOAD-CARRYING STRUCTURE Irving Idaco Flori, Chicago, 111., assignor toArt Specialty Co., tChicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois ApplicationJuly 6, 1950, Serial No. 172,359

7 Claims. (Cl. 287-14) My invention relates to adjustable load-carryingsupport structures, and more in particular to such a support structureadapted to carry a fluorescent or like lamp to permit its readyadjustment to substantially any position.

In adjustable support structures of the character identitied, it is notonly essential that adjustment be permitted to substantially anyposition, but also that such adjustment be maintained by a structurewhich permits a conductor to be run from a source of supply to the lampwithout deleteriously affecting such conductors when the lamp is movedfrom position to position. In one form of structure, a single torsionspring is carried at the lowermost joint of the support structure, andthe parts are so related to each other that the load as adjusted withrespect to two hinged joints is counterbalanced by the single torsionspring. This structure has the advantage of leaving a substantially freeopening for the conductors, but has the disadvantage that in somepositions of the lamp counterbalancing is not completely effected by thesingle spring. In some structures, such as shown in Patent 2,233,300, anextra tube is provided solely for the purpose of passing the conductorsaround the two main joints which carry the counterbalancing torsionsprings. In Fiori Patent 2,395,178 an improved structure was providedwhich permitted the conductors to pass through the two main joints, eachof which was provided with a counterbalancing torsion spring, withoutinjury to the conductors even after extensive use. While the said Fioripatent disclosed an adjustable support structure having definiteadvantages, it had certain drawbacks particularly when substantially theexact structure of the drawings was employed.

The principal object of the present invention is to improve thefunctioning of the herein identified Fiori structure while stillretaining all of the desirable functional advantages thereof.

Another object is the provision of an improved structure of the Fioritype in which the friction provided at the separate joints remainsunchanged even after extensive use.

Still another object is the provision of an adjustable support structurein which all of the functioning parts are completely enclosed, but inwhich they may be readily exposed for inspection or re-adjustment.

A further object is the provision of an adjustable support structure inwhich symmetry and desirable appearance may be maintained, and in whichno fastening mechanism is visible when the structure is in use.

In the drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention isdisclosed- Fig. l is a perspective view of the adjustable supportstructure, all of the structure above the lowermost housing member beingrotated to the maximum extent in order to facilitate showing therelationship of the parts.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 22of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, only a portion of thelamp housing being shown in section.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view looking along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the lin 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan sectional view taken on the line 5-5 ofFig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view showing the hingejoint of the adjustable load support which is nearest the lamp housing.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but with the joint housing capremoved.

8 is a sectional view taken on the line 88 of Fig. 9 is a verticalsectional view taken on the line 99 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is an elevational View looking at the inside of the housing cap.

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 11l1 of Fig. 6looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figs. 12 and 13 are perspective views from opposite sides of the ringhinge member, forming a part of the joint shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a bracket hinge member forming a partof the hinge joint shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a friction and swivel member used inthe joint of Fig. 6.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a friction spring for controllingthe friction in the hinge joint shown in Fig.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 1717 of Fig.1 looking in the direction of the arrows, the figure thereby being asectional View taken through the intermediate hinge joint of theadjustable support structure.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged elevational view of the hinge joint which isshown in Fig. 17.

Fig. 19 is a view similar to that in Fig. 18, but with the housing capremoved.

Fig. 20 is an irregular sectional view taken on the line 2020 of Fig. 18looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 21 is an irregular sectional view taken on the line 2121 of Fig. 18looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the housing cap forming a part ofthe hinge joint of Fig. 18.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a friction bushing forming a part ofthe hinge joint of Fig. 18.

Fig. 24 is a perspective View of the bracket hinge member forming a partof the hinge joint of Fig. 18.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the ring hinge member forming a part ofthe hinge joint of Fig. 18.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged sectional view, partly in elevation and partlybroken away, the figure being taken generally along the line 2626 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view taken along the line 2727 of Fig. 26.

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary bottom plan view taken along the line 28-28 ofFig. 26 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 29 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 29-29 ofFig. 26.

Fig. 30 is a sectional view taken along the line 3030 of Fig. 27.

Fig. 31 is aperspective view of the bracket hinge member forming a partof the hinge joint shown in Fig. 26.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the ring hinge member forming a part ofsuch joint.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a friction bushing employed in thehinge joint of Fig. 26.

Figs. 34 and 35 are torsion springs employed in the intermediate andlowermost hinge joints, respectively.

Referring now to the drawings, the adjustable support structure as showntherein comprises an upper tube 36 and a lower tube 37, the said tubesbeing connected by a hinge joint indicated generally by the referencecharacter 38. The upper tube 36 is in turn connected to a lamp housing39 by a hinge joint 41, and the said lamp housing 39 is supported toswivel with respect to said hinge joint 41. Similarly the bottom tube 37is connected to a bottom housing 42 by a hinge joint 43, and there is aswivable connection between the housing 42 and the said hinge joint 43.The housing 42 maycarry suitable mechanism such as a power unit tosupply luminescent tubes (not shown) supported in the lamp housing 39.The housing 42 may comprise part of a stand, or it may be provided withclamping mechanism 44 as indicated for attachment to a drawing table orthe like.

The hinge joint 41 comprises a ring hinge member 46 (Figs. 12. 13) and abracket hinge member 47 (Fig. 14). These two members are connected bymeans which will .be described, and the ring hinge member is swivelablyconnected to the lamp housing while the bracket hinge member isswivelably connected to the upper tube.36.

Referring now first to the connection between the ring hinge member andthe housing, this may be suitably generally similar to that shown inFiori et al. Patent 2,476,850. A swivel bracket 48 is provided with apair of lugs 49 which extend through holes in the metal comprising thehousing 39, and the remaining portion of the bracket rests above suchhousing. The center portion of the swivel bracket is provided with aboss 51 into which a tubular portion 52 extends, said tubular portionalso extending through an opening provided in housing 39. A flange 53 onthe ring hinge member frictionally engages the top of the swivel bracket48. To hold the ring hinge member in position, there is provided a leafspring 54 and a bifurcated attachingplate 56. The ends of the leafspring engage in recesses on a contiguous portion of the lugs 49,and-the bifurcated attaching plate engages in an annular groove 57 onthe tubular portion of the ring hinge member. The bifurcated attachingplate also has an aperture which passes one of the lugs 49. The ringhinge member is thus swivelably mounted in position with continuousspring tension to provide friction of the flange 53 against the top ofthe swivel bracket. The swivel bracket is provided with an annularrecess 58 which receives a lug 59 integral with the ring hinge member,and there is a stop 61 integral with the swivel bracket so that thehousing 39 can be rotated through substantially 360 about the tubularportion 52 but it cannot be continuously rotated in one direction.

The bracket hinge member 47 isprovided with a housing portion 62 ofirregular shape but having a ring portion 63 which extends within thering portion 64 of the ring hinge member 46, the rim of said ringportion 64 riding on a shoulder 66. A post 67 is interiorly threaded toreceive a fastening screw 68 which secures friction spring 69 againstfriction and swivel member 71 and holds the latter against the ringhinge member.

It will be noted, by referring particularly to Figs. 1215 inclusive,that one sideof the ring portion 64 is completely open but the otherside is closed to form a web brokn only by the center opening 72. Thefriction and swivel member 71 has a slight embossment which engages inthis center opening 72, and it also has a cutaway end portion whichengages half way around the post 67; Thus the friction and swivel member71 is held in against the ring hinge member and is prevented fromturning by its engagement with the post 67. The ring portion 64 of thering hinge member is thereby pinched between the shoulder 66 of thebracket hinge member 47 and the friction and swivel member 71. Bycontrolling the position of the screw 68, the tension of the frictionspring 69 can be controlled and thereby also the amount of frictionrestraining the hinge movement of the ring hinge member 46.

The bracket hinge member 47 is shaped at one end to receive the tube 36.The end of tube 36 has a side projection'73, and the tubular shaped endof bracket hinge member 47 is provided with a groove 74 to pass theprojection 73 as the tube is inserted. Stops 76 are provided as shown inFig. 2 against which the end of tube 36 engages; and when the tube 36 isrotated so that the projection 73 no longer is in alignment with thegroove 74, the narrowed portion of the tube functions to provide ashoulder to prevent separation of the tube and hinge member 47. Normallythe projection 72 is separated 180 from the groove 72, but sidewaystilting of the lamp housing 39 is permitted so that there is a partialswiveling movement permitted around the tube 36. The edge of spring 69limits swiveling movement in one direction by engaging the projection73-, while a stop 77 integral with the bracket hin e member 47 limitsthe swiveling action in the other direction.

The hole through the ring portion 64 in alignment with the hollow insideof the tubular portion 52 (as shown particularly in Fi s. 8, 9, 13)provides means f r passin electrical conductors into the lamp housing39. It will be noted that the conductors may ass from the upper tu e 36around the post 67 into the housing portion 62. and then around the openside of the ring portion 64 and through the hole 78. The screw 68 may bet rned to adiust the friction without affectin" the p i i n of he wiresin any way.

To complete the int fr m an a pear e st nd i and cover the adjustingscrew 68, the cap 79 (shown in elevation in Fig. 10) is engaged over thejoint in the manner shown particularly in Figs. 8 and 9. The cap 79 hasa stud 81 in that portion of the cap which is dished the maximum extentto correspond to the major housing portion of the member 47. Anattaching spring 82 is carried on the stud 81 and engages over the edgeof the friction and swivel member "/1, the stud 81 extending through ahole near the edge of said member 71 to position the cap 79. An ear 83engages in the narrowed end of the cap 79 to position such narrowed endand assist in supporting the cap 79 in position. it will be seen,however, that by engaging a sharp edge (as of a knife or screw driver)under the cap 79, it can be removed without affecting the adjustment ofthe joint in any way. And also that while the cap is in position, thereis no possibility of tampering with the friction adjustment andaffecting it adversely.

The intermediate hinge joint 38 is shown in detail in Figs. 17-25inclusive. It comprises a bracket hinge member 84,- and a ring hingemember 86 which are frictionally hinged together and between which atorsion spring 87 (shown in Fig. 34) is supported as indicatedparticularly in Figs. 20 and 21. The bracket hinge member 84 is rigidlysecured to the upper end of the bottom tube 37, and the ring hingemember 86 is also rigidly secured to the bottom end of tube 36, so thatonly a direct hinge action without any swiveling function is permittedat hinge joint 38.

The bracket hinge member 84 is provided with a rim 88, and ring portion89 of the ring hinge member 86 engages over the said rim 88 and rests ona shoulder 91. Member 84 also has a housing portion 92 from which atubular projection 93 extends, such tubular projection adapted to extendthrough a central opening 94 in the ring hinge member 86. A frictionbushing 96 extends through the central opening 94 and into the tubularprojection 93. Flange 97 on bushing 96 engages the web portion of thering hinge member 86 around the edge of the central opening 94, and alug 98 engages in an edge recess 99 on the tubular projection 93 toprevent relative turning movement of the bushing and tubular projection93, while permitting such movement of the ring hinge member 86. Athreaded stud 101 is carried by the bracket hinge member 84 centrally ofthe tubular projection 93; and an end opening 102 is provided in thefriction bushing 96 through which such stud projects. A friction spring103 is disposed within the friction bushing 96 and around the stud 101so that a nut 104 on the said stud will compress the said spring andcontrol the friction with which the ring hinge member 86 is supportedbetween the shoulder 91 and the flange 97 of the friction bushing.

The torsion spring 87, as shown in Fig. 34, is disposed between thetubular projection 93 and the ring portion 89, with one end 106'extending into a hole 107 on the web portion of the ring hinge member,and the other end 108 engaged behind one of a number of projections 109at the base of the tubular projection 93. The torsion spring 87 is thuspreliminarily tensioned and supported in such manner that relativemovement f the hinge members increases the tension of the torsion springas required for counterbalancing the suspended load of the housing 39.

A housing cap 111 has a central stud 112 which carries a retaining.spring 113 and is also apertured to receive the end of the threaded stud101. In this position a free formed end of the spring engages over alipped projection 114, forming a part of the bushing 96. A pair of lugs116 on the cap 111 project into the body of member 86 to prevent cap 111rotating about the threaded stud 101. The cap 111, however, may easilybe removed with a suitable tool such as a screw driver by merely liftingit.

In the construction shown, the conductors may pass the hinged jointeither through the housing portion 92 or through the cap 111. It will beseen that b th the members 84 and 86 are so constr cted that conductorspassing through the tubes 36 and 37 may be led directly into the jointportion, the member 84 being provided with a tubular passageway leadingto a recessedportion 118 f rmin a' rt of the housing 92, and the member86 being provided with a tubular passa eway 119 leading t the center ofthe ring rtion 89. The central o ening 94 is provided wi h an offset andconductors passing through the tubular passageway 119 may pass throughthe offset portion 95 into the cap 111, around the threaded stud 101,and into the tubular passageway 117. The conductors may also passthrough the tubular passageway 119, into the housing portion 92, aroundthe tubular projection 93, then through the recessed portion 118 andinto the tubular passageway 117.

The lower hinge joint 43 comprises a bracket hinge member 121 and a ringhinge member 122. The bracket hinge member 121 has a housing portion 123with a rim 124, and beneath the rim a shoulder 126. A threaded stud 12-7projects upwardly from the center of a boss 128 which is integral withthe member 121 and is disposed centrally of the main portion of thehousing portion 123. The ring hinge member 122 is provided with adownwardly extending tubular portion 129 (which will be referred tohereinbelow), and an integral ring portion 131, the edge of whichengages against the shoulder 126 when the ring portion 131 is fittedover the rim 124. A friction bushing 132 extends through a centralopening 133 in the web portion of the ring 131 and down over the boss128. A ridge 134 extends into a groove 136 in the bushing 132 to preventthe bushing turning around the boss. The bushing 132 has a flange 137which engages the web portion of the member 122 around the edges of thecentral opening 133. A friction spring 138 is disposed within thebushing 132, with one end engaging against an inner shoulder of the saidbushing so that when a nut 139 is tightened the bushing is forced in adirection to clamp the ring hinge member.

The bracket hinge member 121 also has a recessed portion 141 whichcomprises a continuation of the housing portion 123. A ridge 142projecting into the recessed portion 141 acts as a stop for one end 143of a torsion spring 144, the other end 146 of which extendsdown into thetubular portion 129 of the ring hinge member 131. The spring 138 is alsoso constructed and arranged that its torsion is increased with increaseof the overhanging load so that there is an automatic counterbalancingeffect.

The hinge joint 43 is also provided with a housing cap 147 having anapertured stud 148 which receives the free end of stud 127 and alsosupports a retaining spring 149, the latter engaging over a lippedprojection 151 from the bushing 132. Projections 152 assist inpositioning the cap 147.

The tubular portion 129 of the ring hinge member 122 extends down into aprotuberance 153 on the lower housing 42 which is shaped to support theentire structure. A flange 154 above the tubular portion 129 andintegral with the ring hinge member 122 engages the top edge of theprotuberance 153. A leaf spring 156 extends around the tubular portion129; and a crenulated washer 157 engages behind a shoulder formed by anannular recess 158 to hold the parts in assembled relation and maintaintension on the leaf spring 156. It will be noted, particularly byreference to Figs. 26 and 28, that the ends of the leaf spring engagelugs 160 on the underside of the housing in such manner as to be held inposition.

The lower housing 42 is adapted to carry a transformer or other powerunit, and commercial power lines are adapted to enter the housingthrough a suitable opening 159. Conductors lead from the power unit (notshown) and extend up through the tubular portion 129 to the interior ofthe hinge joint 43. The conductors here preferably run through thehousing portion 123 of the bracket hinge member 121, thence around thebushing 132 through the recessed portion 141, and into the bottom end oftube 37. They may, however, extend from the tubular portion 129 throughthe olfset portion 135 of the central opening 133 (note Fig. 35) intothe space below the cap 147 and then into the tube 37.

It will be apparent that while each of the joints 38, 41 and 43 differsfrom the others in minor respects because of its position, neverthelessall of the joints have basically the same combination of parts. In eachinstance there is a bracket hinge member; a ring hinge member: resi ientmeans. including a clamping member, for holding the two said hingemembers together; and a can with a retaining spring clamped to theclamping member to hold the cap over the assembly comprising theclamping member. In each of the joints also the bracket hinge mem erforms a housin and the springheld can forms in etfect a continuation ofthe housing. In each instance ample pr vision is made for the conductrs. In the upper joint 41 the conductors pass from the tube 36 into thetubular portion 52 through the housing portion 62; while in the othertwo joints the conductors may either pass through the housing portion orthrough the cap portion, in the latter case the conductors passing outthrough the offset portion or as the case may be.

What I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:

1. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion, a friction clampingmember extending into the aperture of the web for centering the samewith respect to the web and provided with a flange engaging the outerface of the web, means interconnecting the bracket hinge member and thefriction clamping member to prevent relative rotation therebetween, ascrew threaded member carried by and extending from the bracket hingemember and having a shoulder thereon beyond the friction clampingmember, a spring interposed between the shoulder of the screw threadedmember and the friction clamping member adjustably frictionally clampingthe ring hinge member between the bracket hinge member and the frictionclamping member, a cap slidably engaging the ring portion of the ringhinge member adjacent the web thereof and also engaging the brackethinge member and covering the friction clamping member, screw threadedmember and spring and forming in appearance a uniform continuation ofthe housing portion of the bracket hinge member, and means including aspring clip internally carried by the cap removably securing the cap inplace.

2. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion, a friction clampingmember extending into the to the web and provided with a flange engagnigthe outer face of the web, means interconnecting the bracket hinge tothe web and provided with a flange engaging the outer member and thefriction clamping member to prevent relative rotation therebetween, ascrew threaded member carried by and extending from the bracket hingemember and having a shoulder thereon beyond the friction clampingmember, a spring interposed between the shoulder of the screw threadedmember and the friction clamping member adjustably frictionally clampingthe ring hinge member between the bracket hinge member and the frictionclamping member, a cap slidably engaging the ring portion of the ringhinge member adjacent the web thereon and also engaging the brackethinge member and covering the friction clamping member, screw threadedmember and spring and forming in appearance a uniform continuation ofthe housing portion of the bracket hinge member, a lipped projection onthe friction clamping member, and a spring clip internally carried bythe cap and engaging over the lipped projection for removably securingthe cap in place.

3. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion, a friction clampingmember in the form of a bushing extending into the aperture of the webfor centering the same with respect to the web and provided at one endwith a flange engaging the outer face of the web and with an internalshoulder at its other end, means interconnecting the bracket hingemember and the friction clamping member to prevent relative rotationtherebetween, a threaded post carried by the bracket hinge member andprojecting through the friction clamping member, a nut adjustablythreaded on said post, a compression spring disposed within saidfriction clamping member about said post and engaging the nut and theinternal shoulder of the friction clamping member adjustablyfrictionally clamping the ring hinge member between the bracket hingemember and the friction clamping member, a cap slidably engaging thering portion of the ring hinge member-adjacent the web thereof and alsoengaging the bracket hinge member and covering the friction clampingmember, post, nut and spring and forming in appearance a uniformcontinuation of the housing portion of the bracket hinge member, andmeans including a spring clip internally carried by the cap removablysecuring the cap in place.

4. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion, a friction clampingmember extending into the aperture of the web for centering the samewith respect to the web and provided with a flange engaging the outerface of the web, means interconnecting the bracket hinge member and thefriction clamping member to prevent relative rotation therebetween, apost projecting from the bracket hinge member adjacent the ring portionof the ring hinge member, a leaf spring engaging the friction clampingmember and overlying the end of the post, a screw adjustably threaded insaid post and extending through and engaging the leaf spring andadjustably frictionally clamping the ring hinge member between thebracket hinge member and the friction clamping member, a cap slidablyengaging the ring portion of the ring hinge member adjacent the webthereof and also engaging the bracket hinge member and covering thefriction clamping member, post, screw and spring and forming inappearance a uniform continuation of the housing portion of the brackethinge member, and means including a spring clip internally carried bythe cap removably securing the cap in place.

5. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion and a tubularprojection concentric with the annular shoulder, a torsion springsurrounding the tubular projection with one end in engagement with thering hinge member and the other end in engagement with the bracket hingemember, a friction clamping member in the form of a bushing locatedwithin the tubular projection and extending into the aperture of the webfor centering the same with respect to the web and provided at one endwith a flange engaging the outer surface of the web and with an internalshoulder at its other end, means interconnecting the tubular projectionand the friction clamping member to prevent relative rotationtherebetween, a threaded post carried by the bracket hinge member andprojecting through the friction clamping member, a nut adjustablythreaded on said post, a compression spring disposed within saidfriction clamping member about said post and engaging the nut and theinternal shoulder of the friction clamping member adjustablyfrictionally clamping the ring hinge member between the bracket hingemember and the friction clamping member, a cap slidably engaging thering portion of the ring hinge member adjacent the web thereof and alsoengaging the bracket hinge member and covering the friction clampingmember, post, nut and spring and forming in appearance a uniformcontinuation of the housing portion of the bracket hinge member, andmeans including a spring clip internally carried by the cap removablyseportion open at one side and provided with a centrally apertured webat the other side, a bracket hinge member having a housing portionprovided with an annular shoulder receiving the open side of the annularring portion and a boss concentric with the annular shoulder, a frictionclamping member in the form of a bushing extending into the aperture ofthe Web and provided at one end with a flange engaging the outer face ofthe web and with an internal shoulder at its other end, said frictionclamping member having a groove receiving a projection on the boss toprevent relative rotation between the friction clamping member and thebracket hinge member, a threaded post carried by the boss andprojectingthrough the friction clamping member, a nut adjustably threaded on saidpost, a compression spring disposed within said friction clamping memberabout said post and engaging the nut and the internal shoulder of thefriction clamping member adjustably frictionally clamping the ring hingemember between the bracket hinge member and the friction clampingmember, a cap slidably engaging the ring portion of the ring hingemember adjacent the web thereof and also engaging the bracket hingemember and covering the friction clamping member, post, nut and springand forming in appearance a uniform continuation of the housing portionof the bracket hinge member, and means including a spring clipinternally carried by the cap removably securing the cap in place.

7. In an adjustable support member, a hinged joint comprising a ringhinge member having an annular ring portion open at one side andprovided with a centrally apertured web at the other side, a brackethinge member having a housing portion provided with an annular shoulderreceiving the open side of the annular ring portion, a friction clampingmember in thefor'm of a bushing extending into the aperture of the webfor centering the same with respect to the web and provided at one endwith a flange engaging the outer face of the web'and with an internalshoulder at its other end, means interconnecting the bracket hingemember and the friction clamping member to prevent relative rotationtherebetween, a threaded post carried by the bracket hinge member andprojecting through the friction clamping member, a nut adjustablythreaded on said post, a compression spring disposed Within saidfriction clamping'member about said'post and engaging the nut and theinternal shoulder of the friction clamping member adjustablyfrictionall'y clamping the ring hinge member between the bracket hingemember and the friction clamping member, a cap having a socket receivingthe end of the post and slidably engaging the ring portion of the ringhinge member adjacent the web thereof and also engagingthe bracket hingemember and covering thefriction clamping member, post, nut and springand forming in appearance a uniform continuation of the housing portionof the bracket hinge member, a lipped projection on the frictionclamping member, and a spring clip internally carried by the cap andengaging over the lipped projection for removably securing the cap inplace.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,391,692 Pugh Sept. 27, 1921 1,899,555 Campbell Feb. 28, 19332,395,178 Fiori Feb. 19, 1946

